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Old Mother West Wind

The timeless classic, Old Mother West Wind, made its debut in 1910. Authored by Thornton W. Burgess, this remarkable compilation of stories has captivated readers across generations. Old Mother West Wind serves as the introduction to a host of beloved animal characters, many of which later became the subjects in books of their own.

This book is just the beginning of the enchanting tales featuring Peter Cottontail, Reddy Fox, Jerry Muskrat, Johnny Chuck, and more! Within its pages, Burgess explains why Grandfather Frog has no tail, how Jimmy Skunk's family acquired stripes, the victorious race of Spotty the Turtle, and numerous other charming stories about woodland creatures


I enjoy adding these small books to my home library, but if you’d prefer a downloadable version, it is also available as a free Kindle download here.

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Introduction

Kick things off with a fun question:

Can you imagine what it would be like if animals could talk? What amazing stories do you think they would tell?

 

Introduce Thornton Burgess and the book:

Explain that "Old Mother West Wind" is full of stories about talking animals who live in a place called the Green Forest and the Smiling Pool. Share a brief bio about Burgess and his love for nature and animals.

 

Discuss key themes:

Describe how these stories teach us important lessons about nature, friendship, and how we should treat others.

Activities

DISCUSSION

ARTS & CRAFTS

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  • Use play dough for making animal footprints

 

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​​Wind and Watercolor Painting

Materials: Watercolor paper, watercolor paints, straws, brushes

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  1. Paint a scene inspired by the book, such as Old Mother West Wind blowing over the Green Meadows or the Laughing Brook.

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  1. Use a straw to blow on wet watercolor paint to create the effect of wind. This will make the paint spread and swirl like a breeze. Students can add animals like Peter Rabbit or Billy Mink in the scene.

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Animal Character Puppets

Create puppets of favorite characters from the story to use in a puppet show.

Materials: Construction paper, googly eyes, markers, glue, craft sticks, fabric scraps, and pipe cleaners.

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  1. Have students choose their favorite animal character (e.g., Reddy Fox, Jimmy Skunk) and create a puppet using construction paper and craft materials.

  2. Attach the puppet to a craft stick to use as a handle.

  3. Students can perform a short puppet show retelling a scene from the book.

SCIENCE EXPLORATION

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Wind Chime Craft

Create a wind chime inspired by Old Mother West Wind and her Breezes.

Materials Needed: String or yarn, small objects that make noise in the wind (e.g. beads, shells, keys), sticks or wooden dowels

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  1. Help kids attach small objects to strings and then tie them to a stick or dowel to create their own wind chime.

  2. Hang the wind chimes outside where they can listen to the wind blow through them, just like Old Mother West Wind’s Breezes passing through the trees.

  3. Ask kids to imagine what the Breezes would say if they heard the wind chime.

Science-Related Questions

  1. What real-life behaviors of animals are shown in these stories? Can you think of any animal facts you know that match what’s in the book?
     
  2. How do you think the Green Forest and the Smiling Pool compare to places in nature near where you live? What animals might you see in a similar environment?
     
  3. The animals in the stories often rely on their instincts to stay safe. How do real animals in the wild use their instincts to survive?

BUILDING CHARACTER

Character/Moral Questions

  1. How did Reddy Fox learn about consequences? Have you ever learned a lesson the hard way, like him?
     
  2. Do you think it’s important to work together, like the Merry Little Breezes help Old Mother West Wind? Why?
     
  3. Some of the animals learn lessons about sharing or being patient. Can you think of a time when you had to learn those lessons?
     
  4. How do these stories show that being clever or kind is important? How can you use those qualities in your own life?

Other Books to Read

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